John E. Gibbons

Cuba City, Wisconsin John Edward Gibbons, 84, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, formerly of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 22, 2013, at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City with family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2013, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military rites accorded. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish wake service will be at 3:45 p.m. John was born on October 20, 1928, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Velma "Sally" (Roeder) and Edward Gibbons and graduated from Dubuque Senior High in 1947. He was united in marriage to Adeline S. Knox on August 9, 1951, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City where he was a member until his death. John was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953. He was employed by A. Y. McDonald's in Dubuque for two years, and then by the Dubuque Packing House for 33 years until he was forced to retire due to a heart condition in 1989. John had been a member of the Meat Packers Local Union #150 for most of those years. He built their home in Cuba city where they have resided since 1960. John was a "jack of all trades" and thoroughly enjoyed helping his kids and grandkids with their various projects. John was a terrific gardener, specializing in hybrid irises and his fruit trees. He was a great cook and baker and spoiled his family with his spritz cookies, "fruit sausage", homemade candies, sauerkraut, and "black chicken". John also enjoyed reading, doing leather work, electronics, making wine, and working with or tearing apart his computers. He was a good neighbor and was always willing to drive them to appointments, take care of their snow blowing, or try his hand at fixing most anything. He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Addie Gibbons, of Cuba City; eight children, Joyce Gibbons of Machesney Park, IL, Sandy (Gary) Redlin, of Baraboo, Jerry (Sheila) Gibbons, of Darlington, Pat (Ron) Rod, of Richmond, TX, Pete (Kim) Gibbons, of Clinton, IL, Kathy (Daryl) Kubitz, of Cuba City, Grace Gallagher, of Apple River, IL, and Ron (Betsy) Gibbons, of Altoona, IA; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Joe (Carol) Knox and Jim (Carol) Knox, both of Cuba City; a special niece, Jane (Charly) Runde, of Springfield, OR; a godchild, Mike Shaffer; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Velma "Sally", his brother, Raymond "Bud" Gibbons; a grandson, Benjamin Gibbons; a son-in-law, Chuck Gallagher; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and a goddaughter Debbie (Miller) Galloway. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Rose Catholic Church. John was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. "What will we do without you?"